The best safari companies in Tanzania in 2026 are Thomson Safaris, a Tanzania specialist since 1981; Nomad, with camps from the Serengeti to Mahale; Asilia; Arusha-based Roy Safaris (since 1989) and Leopard Tours (since 1985); the Elewana Collection; and Singita for luxury in the Grumeti reserves.
“Safari company” covers two kinds of business. Lodge operators such as Wilderness, Singita and &Beyond own or run the camps you stay in and often sell complete trips. Tour operators and ground handlers plan itineraries, supply guides and vehicles, and book a mix of camps. Both can be booked directly or through a safari specialist.
Tanzania's northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) is the classic route; the south (Ruaha, Nyerere) and the west (Mahale's chimpanzees) are wilder and quieter. Arusha-based operators handle most road-based northern circuit safaris.
Conservation-driven Tanzania safaris since 1981.
Thomson Safaris was founded in 1981 by Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland and has led conservation-driven Tanzania safaris for about 45 years, with expert guides and strong reviews.
Good to know: Good for first-timers who want a fully supported group or private trip.
Northern Tanzania
Camps from Lamai in the Serengeti to Greystoke at Mahale.
Nomad runs camps across Tanzania, including Lamai and Serengeti Safari Camp in the Serengeti, Entamanu at Ngorongoro, Greystoke at Mahale for chimpanzees, Sand Rivers in Nyerere and Kigelia in Ruaha.
Good to know: Add Greystoke for chimpanzees on Lake Tanganyika.
Arusha, Tanzania
Responsible camps including migration-following camps.
Asilia runs camps and safaris across Tanzania and Kenya with a focus on positive impact, including camps positioned for the Great Migration.
Good to know: Ask which camp is best placed for your travel month.
Arusha, Tanzania
An Arusha-based operator since 1989, from budget to luxury.
Roy Safaris is a Tanzania-based operator founded in 1989 in Arusha, planning tailor-made Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar trips, Kilimanjaro climbs and multi-country tours at budget, mid-range and luxury levels.
Good to know: Compare its mid-range and luxury quotes for the same route.
Arusha, Tanzania
A Tanzanian wildlife safari specialist since 1985.
Leopard Tours has run wildlife safaris in Tanzania since 1985, offering private and luxury trips to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
Good to know: Book direct for a private northern circuit safari.
Arusha, Tanzania
Boutique lodges and camps across Tanzania and Kenya.
Elewana Collection runs 14 boutique safari lodges and camps across Tanzania and Kenya, letting you combine the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kenya's parks within one collection.
Good to know: Use it to combine Tanzania with Kenya.
Arusha, Tanzania
Top-end lodges in the private Grumeti reserves.
Singita's Tanzanian lodges, including Sasakwa, Faru Faru and Sabora Tented Camp, sit in the private Grumeti reserves on the Serengeti's western corridor, crossed by the migration.
Good to know: Visit around June for the migration in the western corridor.
Singita Grumeti, Serengeti, Tanzania
Arusha-based operators such as Roy Safaris and Leopard Tours run trips on the ground and are often cheaper; international companies such as Thomson add a home-country booking office and support.
The herds calve in the southern Serengeti around January to March and are usually in the northern Serengeti from about July to October, crossing the Mara River.
Yes, at Mahale Mountains on Lake Tanganyika; Nomad's Greystoke camp is there.